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20 Quick Degrees That Pay Well

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: February 28, 2024, Reading time: 28 minutes

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Reasons for Choosing a Quick Degree Consider Earning a Graduate Degree Top Quick Degrees That Pay Well

After completing their secondary education, high school students are often faced with a dilemma: going straight to work or pursuing higher education.

While a college degree can definitely give one a wealth of opportunities to land a high-paying job, later on, it also means shelling out for expensive tuition fees and spending several years or more in school. No wonder many prefer to start earning money right away.

However, those with a high school diploma looking for a quick and easy way out of the university may want to consider earning degree programs that are fast-tracked. This means they will be able to complete their degree quicker and join the workforce straightaway.

Many colleges and universities in the country offer accelerated degrees that can be finished ahead of time. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree, the key is to cut down the time it takes to earn one’s chosen degree program and enhance their job opportunities. This will allow college graduates to save precious time and money.

Of course, earning a college degree quicker does not mean the quality of education will be compromised. The postsecondary educational programs gathered here still follow the same rigorous curriculum and standards as traditional degree programs.

Read on to learn more about some of the quick degrees that pay well.

Quick audio summary:

Reasons for Choosing a Quick Degree

Students with a high school diploma looking to complete their college degree quicker will find accelerated bachelor’s degree and associate’s degree programs ideal. Most fast-track programs provide the flexibility they need to complete their education and enter the workforce in a short period. If one needs more persuasion to consider this unconventional path, then the following reasons will help them make up their minds.

Ideal for Working Adults and Military Personnel

Students with prior experience in the workforce or who have entered the military will find a quick degree suitable for their college education needs. They might need to juggle their responsibilities and coursework without having to compromise one for the other. This means they can take accelerated degrees that offer asynchronous classes, allowing them to finish their tasks and assignments at their own pace. The compressed classes also mean they can complete their coursework in as short as five to 10 weeks.

Spend Less Time in School

Cutting down the amount of time typically devoted to earning a degree is an obvious reason to choose quick degree programs. Students can finish their classes and earn their degree in a few months or years and seek employment right after. This will give them a head start over conventional college students who can only join the workforce after four years. Plus, some of the fast-track programs give more importance to practical learning, with many opportunities to complete on-the-job training.

Save on Tuition and Other Expenses

Quick degrees require shorter timeframes at school, which significantly cut down a lot of tuition costs and other fees. Some are even available as online degree programs. A typical bachelor’s program can take four years to complete; this will require one to shell out a considerable amount of money for every semester they spend at school. They will also spend more on miscellaneous fees.

Choosing a quick degree that pays well will help them save more. Plus, attending on-campus classes will also force students to pay for food, rent, and transportation, which can eat up a lot of budgets. This minimizes the chance of incurring a hefty student debt.

Consider Earning a Graduate Degree

Yes, earning a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree may very well be the only accolade you need to begin a successful career. However, within most careers, if you would like to serve in a leadership or management capacity, often a master’s or doctorate is required. With your prestigious degrees in your back pocket, you can expect higher salaries, job security, respect, and perhaps most importantly, personal satisfaction from a job well done!

For those who need to enter the workforce soon, below, you will find our choices for the best degrees that can be obtained quickly, yielding big returns. We have also provided a list of schools that provide Associate or Bachelor’s degree programs in that field (with a few certificate programs sprinkled in).

In addition, if you are curious, you can check out related graduate programs, too! As you gain valuable work experience with your undergraduate degree, start planning your future to earn your master’s and doctorate as well!

Top Quick Degrees That Pay Well

Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

Designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the criminal justice field, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides a solid foundation for a critical understanding of the nature of crime and delinquency. A lot of criminal justice programs offer accelerated options, allowing students to finish the degree at their own pace, usually in as short as 18 months. Transfer credits are also permitted.

This degree program offers different specializations, including criminology, forensic science, cybersecurity, homeland security, and emergency management, among others, which can boost their chances of succeeding in various criminal justice careers.

Potential Careers in Criminal Justice

Police and Detectives

Average Annual Income: $66,020
Projected Job Openings: 68,500

The role of police and detectives involves the protection of lives and property. They are responsible for gathering facts and collecting evidence that can shed light on a crime. While this might be a physically taxing, dangerous, and stressful job, it is also rewarding as it has a positive societal impact. Police and detectives are also earning well, with median pay of $31.74 per hour or $66,020 as a median annual salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Information Security Analyst

Average Annual Income: $102,600
Projected Job Openings: 19,500

The primary duties of information security analysts involve keeping an organization’s data and computer systems safe from cyberattacks. They make sure this is done by installing protective software, keeping an eye on potential breaches, and responding to any forms of attacks. It is also part of their responsibility to establish company security protocols and educate employees about best practices when it comes to data security. They often work with IT departments and executives.

Forensic Science Technicians

Average Annual Income: $61,930
Projected Job Openings: 2,500

Integral to solving crimes, forensic science technicians often assist law enforcement officers during criminal investigations by performing tests on samples and reporting their findings. This can involve the collection of physical evidence such as DNA profiling, ballistic testing, and chemical analysis.

Schools offering Criminal Justice degree programs:

To further your career in Criminal Justice, choose to get a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools:

Health Information Technology

Associate’s Degree
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 2 years

Students who want to pursue a career in an in-demand industry and enjoy plenty of job opportunities will want to consider earning a bachelor’s degree in health information technology. They are essential in ensuring that healthcare data and records are safe and streamlined.

Their work involves collecting, storing, and managing health information to help keep the healthcare system running efficiently. This field encompasses patient registration, billing, medical coding, and sharing of information with legal compliance.

Potential Careers in Health Information Technology

Medical Record Specialists

Average Annual Income: $46,660
Projected Job Openings: 14,900

Working in hospitals and clinics, medical record specialists are integral in providing administrative support by managing, preparing, and retrieving patient charts and records. This is to make sure that billing and essential data remain accurate. Medical coders might also be required to perform clerical work, including preparing payment documents and assisting with audits.

Health Information Technologist

Average Annual Income: $55,560
Projected Job Openings: 3,400

Schools offering Health Information Technology associate degree programs:

For those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Health Information, check out one of these fine schools:

Human Resources

Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum requirement
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

A bachelor’s degree in human resources is the key to a successful career in a variety of settings, including corporate, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. This degree program teaches students the necessary knowledge and skills that involve leadership, training and development, and organizational management. They can also use it if they want to pursue a master’s degree, especially if it is in the field of business management or business administration.

Potential Careers in Human Resources

Human Resources Specialists

Average Annual Income: $62,290
Projected Job Openings: 81,900

As a human resources specialist, one is tasked to find qualified job candidates needed by the organization. They are responsible for the recruitment of applicants, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and performing background checks. Just like a training and development specialist, they might also be asked to give employee orientation and take care of benefits administration and employee retention.

Human Resources Manager

Average Annual Income: $126,230
Projected Job Openings: 16,300

The responsibilities of a human resources manager include coordinating and supervising the work of the HR staff. They often meet with other department heads to gain insights into staffing and training needs. They are at the forefront of helping an organization meet its goals and succeed. As human resources manager, one can earn a median annual salary of $126,230.

Schools offering Human Resource Management degree programs:

Do you need a graduate degree for job advancement? See these master’s programs in Human Resources:

Finance

Bachelor’s Degree
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

Providing students with a solid foundation in the core functions of finance, a bachelor’s in finance covers everything from accounting, economics, financial markets, security analysis, and global finance to risk management, banking, and portfolio management. As one of the most lucrative college majors, a degree in finance can give one job security and handsome compensation.

Potential Careers in Finance

Financial Analysts

Average Annual Income: $95,570
Projected Job Openings: 32,000

Financial analysts are primarily responsible for tasks such as financial forecasting, reporting, financial data analysis, cost analysis, and more. They guide and advise organizations with regard to financial strategy decisions, like the ideal structure of a corporation, for example. The median annual salary for a financial analyst is $95,570.

Budget Analysts

Average Annual Income: $79,940
Projected Job Openings: 4,000

Proficient in data analysis and statistical forecasting, budget analysts are responsible for the evaluation of budget proposals and funding requests. They often collaborate with project managers to develop a project plan. Their tasks also involved the approval and rejection of funding requests and determining whether budget proposals comply with regulations.

Schools offering Finance degree programs:

Need to further your career in Finance? Choose to get a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools:

Public Relations

Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

Organizations seek to build relationships and influence a wider audience by putting a good communication strategy in place. A public relations degree or college major is valuable in this field. Unlike a marketing degree, this program primarily focuses on developing students’ skills in research, creative writing, strategic planning, and execution. They are taught to cultivate and maintain relationships that will promote a positive image for their clients.

Potential Careers in Public Relations

Public Relations Specialists

Average Annual Income: $62,800
Projected Job Openings: 27,400

The main job of public relations specialists is to shape and maintain an organization’s reputation and brand. They identify media opportunities and promote positive public awareness of the company with the use of external communication. Public relations specialists can enjoy a median annual salary of $62,800.

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Average Annual Income: $133,380
Projected Job Openings: 35,300

This position involves generating public interest in products and services. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers often work with department heads and team members to set up a good strategy regarding budget, marketing plans, and selection of advertising media.

Schools offering Public Relations degree programs:

Franklin University (BS)
Louisiana State University (BA)

One can further their career in Public Relations by choosing to get a master’s at one of these schools:

Computer Science

Bachelor’s Degree as a minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

Overlapping with information technology, the field of computer science encompasses a wide range of industries, including business, healthcare, and more. Computer science majors are taught to solve problems, improve processes, and create forecasts for future developments. They will find specialization options within the program, including systems architecture, networks, systems and software, and data analytics.

Potential Careers in Computer Science

Web Developers and Digital Designers

Average Annual Income: $78,300
Projected Job Openings: 21,800

This profession requires creativity and attention to detail. Web developers and digital designers create and maintain websites for clients, ensuring that the website is working and functional. Their tasks include creating and testing applications and navigating menus for websites and interfaces. They also write code for the website through the use of programming languages.

Computer Programmers

Average Annual Income: $93,000
Projected Job Openings: 9,600

Computer programmers are responsible for designing and creating software programs, analyzing algorithms, modifying source codes, and integrating software, among others. They ensure the organization’s systems, software, and computing infrastructure are developed and maintained.

Schools offering Computer Science degree programs:

To advance your career in Computer Science, earning a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools will help you succeed:

Respiratory Therapy

Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 2 years

Students who wish to pursue a career in respiratory therapy should learn how to evaluate and treat patients’ lungs and airways. Completing a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy is a huge step in this direction. This program often includes coursework such as clinical respiratory care, pathophysiology, mechanical ventilation, procedures, and many more.

Potential Career in Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist

Average Annual Income: $61,830
Projected Job Openings: 9,400

Often working alongside physicians and nurses, respiratory therapists conduct, perform, and analyze diagnostic and function tests integral to the assessment of a patient’s lung capacity. Their duties may also include interviewing and examining patients and treating patients with a variety of methods. The median annual salary of a respiratory therapist can be $61,830, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Schools offering Respiratory Therapy degree programs:

The field of Healthcare is growing. Plan to earn a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools to advance your skills:

Paralegal

Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 2 to 4 years

With a bachelor’s degree in paralegal, one will learn how to hone their research, analysis, writing, and analytical skills along with developing a strong understanding of the paralegal’s role in the legal field. They often gain on-the-job experience through internships. There are also paralegal associate degree programs offered at a community college, which makes a good choice for those looking for easy degrees.

Potential Career in Paralegal

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Average Annual Income: $56,230
Projected Job Openings: 45,800

Tasked to provide clerical and organizational support to lawyers, paralegals are important in ensuring legal cases proceed efficiently. Their tasks often include drafting leases and contracts, along with other documents that lawyers need.

Schools offering Paralegal degree programs:

Roger Williams University (AS, BS)
College of DuPage (AAS)

Would you like to further your career in Law? Select a master’s and doctorate program from the following:

Community Development

Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

This degree program gives students essential knowledge and skills in understanding various social, political, economic, and cultural dynamics across different types of communities. They learn the best ways to affect change from both grassroots and public policy perspectives. Many schools offer this college major as an online program. Online programs in this field are ideal for those looking for easy degrees that pay well.

Potential Career in Community Development

Social and Community Service Managers

Average Annual Income: $74,000
Projected Job Openings: 18,000

Social and community service managers are responsible for coordinating and supervising programs and organizations in an effort to maintain public well-being. They often work for government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Schools offering Community Development degree programs:

University of Massachusetts (BA)
Arizona State University (BA)

One can further their career in Community Development by choosing to get a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools:

Healthcare Management

Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree as a minimum
Ave. Completion Time: Approximately 4 years

A bachelor’s degree in healthcare management provides skills that will help healthcare organizations stay within budget, meet benchmarks, and provide optimal direct patient care. They will learn about health industry regulations, leadership issues unique to healthcare employers’ systems, and more, which provides them ample choices for their career paths. It is a good foundation for those hoping to earn a master’s degree in the field of healthcare administration.

Potential Career in Healthcare Management

Medical and Health Services Manager

Average Annual Income: $101,340
Projected Job Openings: 56,600

As medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. Their job may involve managing an entire facility or a specific department.

Schools offering Healthcare Management degree programs:

A career in Healthcare Management/Administration covers a wide array of careers, but you may need a master’s or doctorate degree for the best positions, so check these out:

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degrees as minimum
Average completion time: 2 years for associate, 4 years for bachelor’s degrees

Most companies and organizations rely on a complex network of suppliers, transporters, and distributors that deliver necessary parts & raw materials to ensure the delivery and distribution of goods and services or the success of various projects. This task falls largely on a sector of specialized managers. Associate degrees grant entry into this discipline, although this can also be through a degree in Business Administration, often with a focus on logistics or supply chains.

Potential Careers in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Industrial Production Managers

Average annual income: $103,150
Projected Job Openings: 7,100

As a Management Occupation, Industrial Production Managers are tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of various production facilities, notably factories and other allied facilities. Owing to their managerial skills, they ensure smooth and efficient operations and keep on top of the flow of materials that are involved.

Project Management Specialists

Average annual income: $94,500
Projected Job Openings: 56,300

Project Management Specialists act as parents of various projects and are involved in their entirety from initial conception, all through their implementation and eventual conclusion. They ensure that project components stay within budget and that crucial project milestones and targets are met on time.

Schools offering Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree programs:

University of Cincinnati (AAB)
Florida International University (Bachelor of Business Admin in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Athens State University (Bachelor of Science in Logistics & Supply Chain Management)

A leadership position in Logistics & Supply Chain Management often requires a master’s degree. Check out the following schools:

Allied Dental Professions

Dentists don’t work alone; they are supported by a range of allied dental professions that help ensure the effective delivery of dental care services, including hygienists who take preventive dental health tasks and lab technicians who create and repair dental prostheses to dentists’ specifications. A common entry point into these professions is through Associate Degrees, although some universities also offer Bachelor’s Degrees.

Dental Hygienist

Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate’s Degrees as Minimum
Average Completion Time: 2 years for Associate Degrees

Average Annual Income: $77,810
Projected Job Openings: 19,000

Often working under the supervision of a dentist, Dental Hygienists assess patients’ oral health and look for signs of problems or disease in the teeth and gums. They perform a variety of maintenance and preventive tasks such as teeth cleaning and taking dental X-rays for examinations. They also prepare treatment plans and educate patients about proper oral health habits and techniques.

Schools offering Dental Hygienist degree programs:

Dental Laboratory Technician

Associate’s Degrees as Minimum
Average Completion Time: 2 years

Average Annual Income: $39,090
Projected Job Openings: 1,400

Dental Laboratory Technicians perform crucial dentist support roles. Their technical expertise allows them to prepare and repair a variety of dental prosthesis devices, such as dentures, crowns, veneers, and implants.

Schools offering Dental Laboratory Technician degree programs:

Durham Technical Community College (AAS)
Middlesex Community College (AS)

If you would like to pursue higher education in the field of Dentistry, see:

The Best Doctor of Dentistry Graduate Schools

Radiologic Technology

Associate’s Degrees as minimum
Average completion time: 2 years for Associate Degrees

Radiologic Technologists operate and maintain a variety of medical imaging devices that are used in performing patient analysis, such as X-rays and MRI scanners. Radiologic Technologists work under the supervision of physicians and follow their imaging specifications, as well as assist in evaluating medical images.

This profession is different from Radiologists, who are primarily medical doctors. Entry into this profession is common via Associate’s Degrees and even certification programs after attending a trade school. Many of these Radiologic Technology quick online degrees lead to favorable job positions.

Radiologic Technologist

Average Annual Income: $61,980
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 17,000

Schools offering Radiologic Technologist degree programs:

University of Utah (Certificate, 6mos)
Xavier University (Associate Degree)
Moorpark College (Associate Degree)

To pursue a master’s and doctorate degree in healthcare, see these exceptional selections:

Aeronautics

Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate’s Degrees as a minimum for some careers
Average completion time: 2-3 years for Associate, 4 years for Bachelor’s degrees

The field of Aeronautics is wide and is primarily involved with the development and manufacture of aircraft. Aeronautics itself is often offered as a four-year college degree and opens careers in aircraft design, flight engineering, and aeronautical maintenance. In some cases, this degree is offered at a vocational school.

There are also a number of related career options that are entered into more quickly through Associate’s Degrees, such as Air Traffic Control and Aircraft & Avionics Technology. It may also lead them to work in the government, such as in the Federal Aviation Administration.

Careers Related to Aeronautics

Air Traffic Controller

Average Annual Income: $129,750
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 100

Air Traffic Controllers perform one of the most crucial roles in today’s modern world of air travel which is often characterized by crowded skies. Air Traffic controllers coordinate with all types of aircraft within their respective areas of control and direct all their movement, ensuring that a safe distance is constantly maintained between them in order to prevent accidents and midair collisions. They also direct the takeoff, landing, and ground movement of all aircraft at airports.

Air Traffic Controllers have a high-stress, high-stakes job, and they are compensated well. In fact, it is one of the high-paying jobs in the country.

Schools offering Air Traffic Control degree programs:

Community College of Baltimore County (AAS)
Thomas Edison State University (AS)
University of Alaska Anchorage (AAS)

Aircraft & Avionics Equipment Technicians

Average Annual Income: $65,550
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 9,000

Aircraft technicians are support staff that are tasked with maintaining and repairing all components and systems of various types of aircraft, such as a plane’s avionics or computer systems. They work in a variety of settings such as in airports, as part of airlines’ support crews, for private, or in the armed forces.

Schools Offering Aircraft & Avionics Technology degree programs:

Liberty University (AA)
Fox Valley Technical College (AAS)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AS)

Check out these schools for other options for master’s and doctorate degrees based in Robotics and Aerospace:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Associate’s Degree or Certificate as minimum
Ave. Completion Time: 2 years for associate

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a specialized field that deals with using sound (sono-) to perform diagnostic imaging of patients. Their main tool is most commonly known by the term Ultrasound. Bachelor’s and Certificate programs are offered, but 2-year Associate’s Degrees are the most common training for this career.

Potential Careers in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound Technology

Average Annual Income: $75,380
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 14,700

Schools Offering Diagnostic Medical Technology Degree Programs:

Do you need a master’s or doctorate degree in the medical field? Check these out:

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Associate Degree as a minimum
Ave. Completion Time: 2 years

Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform specialized diagnoses of patients by using radioactive drugs in creating diagnostic imaging, and under supervision by physicians, they also administer specific doses of targeted radiation as treatment.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Average Annual Income: $78,760
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 300

Schools offering Nuclear Medicine Technology degree programs:

To advance in your studies and career, take a look at these master’s and doctorate degree programs:

Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s as Minimum, Associate’s as a minimum for Electrical Engineering Technician
Average Completion Time: 5 years for Bachelor’s, 2 years for Associate’s Degrees

Various complex electrical systems, such as those in buildings, cars, and our power grid, fall under the care of electrical engineers and electrical engineering technologists, who work in teams.

Electrical Engineer

Average Annual Income: $101,780
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 9,800

Electrical Engineers work on a wide range of electrical systems and perform tasks related to their testing, design & development, and manufacture, ensuring that these systems are always to relevant standards. The average engineering degree lasts at least five years; however, there are accelerated BS to MS Programs that let students earn both their Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering within the same time period.

Schools offering Electrical Engineering degree programs:

University of North Dakota (Accelerated/Combined BS & MS)
Stony Brook University (Accelerated/Combined BE/MS)
University of Rhode Island (Accelerated BS/MS Program)

Electrical Engineering Technician

Average Annual Income: $63,640
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): -400

Electrical Engineering technologists and technicians work in teams under the supervision of electrical engineers and take up support roles that are also related to testing, calibration, inspection, and manufacture of various electrical systems. They also perform site visits, assembly, and maintenance. Like electrical engineers, they are also able to ensure adherence to standards and troubleshoot technical problems.

Schools Offering Electrical Engineering Technology Degree Programs:

Check out these master’s and doctorate degrees in the field of Engineering:

Information Technology

Bachelor’s as a minimum, Associate’s Degrees as a minimum for IT Technician degrees
Average completion time: 5 years for Accelerated BS to MS programs, 2 years for Associate Degrees

Information Technology is a wide-ranging discipline that is focused on the creation and maintenance of computer systems and networks that handle all kinds of data. This field has a number of interrelated careers and disciplines that cater to this overall goal.

Computer Support Specialist

Average Annual Income: $57,910
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 56,400

Computer support specialists handle a variety of routine and emergency tasks related to computers and computer systems. They may perform maintenance tasks for large corporations’ systems or provide one-to-one support services for individual computer users.

Network & Computer Systems Administrator

Average Annual Income: $80,600
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 11,300

Network & Computer Systems Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations and complex maintenance tasks of many organizations, particularly those that rely heavily on complex computer networks. Aside from installing and optimizing computer systems based on organizations’ needs, they also perform any necessary upgrades and perform troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Database Administrators & Architects

Average Annual Income: $101,000
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 12,800

Performing roles similar to that of Network Systems Administrators, Database administrators are focused on working with databases, systems that gather, store, and often handle large amounts of data such as an organization’s financial & inventory data or banks’ user information. Database architects, meanwhile, design and develop these systems to fit individual users’ needs.

Schools offering Information Technology & IT-related degree programs:

Oakland University (Accelerated Bachelor’s)
University of Cincinnati (Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s)
Remington College (Database Management Associate Degree)

To further your career in the field of Information Technology, see these master’s and doctorate programs:

Funeral Services

Associate’s Degree as a minimum, Bachelor’s Degrees
Average completion time: 2 years

The Funeral Services industry performs the highly crucial needs of death care, ensuring that the deceased and their loved ones and families get the proper treatment and service. There are a variety of roles, such as Morticians and Funeral Directors, and entry into the field is either through a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree.

Funeral Service Workers

Average Annual Income: $58,900
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 5,300

Schools that offer Funeral Service degree programs:

University of Central Oklahoma (BS)
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (AAS)
Chippewa Valley Technical College (Associate Degree)

To efficiently serve the public in their time of need, perhaps a master’s and doctorate degree in the following will help:

Homeland Security

Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate’s Degrees as minimum
Average completion time: 2 years for Associate, 4 years for Bachelor’s degrees

It has its roots in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but the field of Homeland Security has grown over the years to encompass a wide range of disciplines and professions that ensure public safety not just from terrorism but also from disasters and other emergencies.

Information Security Analyst

Average Annual Income: $102,600
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031): 56,500

Information Security Analysts oversee the security needs of organizations’ computer networks. They ensure that systems are safe from various attacks, such as hacks or breaches, by maintaining protocols like encryption and firewalls and identifying any potential security vulnerabilities. They are also involved in ensuring systems’ security and resilience against physical risks such as fires or other natural disasters.

Emergency Management Director

Average Annual Income: $76,730
Projected Job Openings (2021-2031)

Emergency Management Directors work and coordinate with a wide range of community stakeholders, such as government agencies, private organizations, and the public, before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. They help prepare mitigation, response, and recovery plans and ensure their smooth implementation and the proper utilization of assets and resources during emergencies and the subsequent recovery period.

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Average Annual Income: $46,670
Projected Job Openings: 3,600

Public Safety Communicators act as response facilitators, answering emergency & non-emergency calls. They manage relevant situational data and coordinate with various agencies, such as police and medical services, to ensure the proper delivery of necessary emergency response services.

Schools that offer Homeland Security degree programs:

DeSales University (Accelerated Bachelor’s)
Campbell University (AOE)
Thomas Edison State University (BS)

One can further their career in Homeland Security by choosing to get a master’s and doctorate at one of these schools:

20 Quick Degrees That Pay Well

Find your perfect college degree

Reasons for Choosing a Quick Degree

Ideal for Working Adults and Military Personnel

Spend Less Time in School

Save on Tuition and Other Expenses

Consider Earning a Graduate Degree

Top Quick Degrees That Pay Well

Criminal Justice

Potential Careers in Criminal Justice

Health Information Technology

Potential Careers in Health Information Technology

Human Resources

Potential Careers in Human Resources

Finance

Potential Careers in Finance

Public Relations

Potential Careers in Public Relations

Computer Science

Potential Careers in Computer Science

Respiratory Therapy

Potential Career in Respiratory Therapy

Paralegal

Potential Career in Paralegal

Community Development

Potential Career in Community Development

Healthcare Management

Potential Career in Healthcare Management

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Potential Careers in Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Allied Dental Professions

Dental Hygienist

Dental Laboratory Technician

Radiologic Technology

Aeronautics

Careers Related to Aeronautics

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Potential Careers in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Electrical Engineering

Information Technology

Funeral Services

Homeland Security

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